Delaware Law News

Delaware Law School Clinic Reaches $10 Million Mark

Gabe Armondo '17, communication studies

Helping Veterans

The Veteran’s Law Clinic at Delaware Law has reached a milestone of recovering more than $10 million in disability benefits
owed to U.S. veterans whose claims were initially wrongfully denied.

The clinic provides free legal aid to disabled veterans and their dependents with
appeal claims pending before the Department of Veterans Affairs. This August will
mark 20 years of service for the clinic, which started as a Veteran’s Assistance Program
in 1997, founded by Professor Emeritus Thomas J. Reed.

“The monetary milestone is great,” Amber Baylor, director of the clinic, said. “The most important part is that it marks the significant
efforts to help veterans live sustainable lives.”

The clinic had recovered roughly $10.5 million as of the conclusion of the spring
2017 semester.

“The clinic’s continued success means a lot to the people of Delaware, southeastern
Pennsylvania and south New Jersey,” said Reed, who still works with the clinic as
a volunteer. “Reaching the $10 million mark means we’re doing our job, but it doesn’t
mean we’re slowing down.”

The pro bono program was the first of its kind in the country and it expanded remarkably
in 2006 when it became a clinic. In 2014, it was honored with the Delaware Governor’s
Outstanding Volunteer Award for Community Service.

“The success represents all of the hard work that has been put forth to help aid veterans,
but this hasn’t just been a one-person operation,” said Reed.

Cases are handled by approximately 10 to 20 students each semester, who receive no
monetary compensation, and approximately 80 attorneys from the community who serve
in a pro bono capacity. Students spend up to 20 hours per week in the clinic, including
office hours where they assist with completing intakes for new clients and other administrative
tasks.

This program is a significant point of pride for the school. It is a primary example
of the university’s commitment to civic engagement and service learning. Delaware
Law School believes in giving back to the community and in learning by doing.